Part of MLK Drive, Schuylkill River Trail closed for construction

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A portion of Martin Luther King Drive in Philadelphia will close during specific time periods for some construction work starting Tuesday.

A 75 foot section of the Schuylkill River wall fell into the river in August along with a section of the supported asphalt walkway, which can present a safety hazard to the public.

The Streets Department is closing a portion of MLK Drive from Sweet Briar to Eakins Oval to repair the failing wall.

The construction closures and detours will take place between 9 a m. and 3 p.m. and then again between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m.

During the closures, the eastbound lane of MLK Drive will be closed to traffic as well as a portion of the Schuylkill River Trail.

The trail will be rerouted for pedestrians and bikers. The detour will run from Franklin Paine's Skate Park through Eakins Oval to 22nd Street, then down 22nd to Race Street where they can reenter the trail.

The intermittent closures will last until January 20th.